Telescoping Accordion Pour Spout for Liquid Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pour spouts and funnels for liquid containers are often difficult to construct, secure, or require additional devices for pouring, particularly for motor oils, transmission fluids, cooking oils, and liquors, necessitating the need for a more integrated and adaptable solution.
Innovation Solution
An expandable contractible pour spout with a flexible telescoping accordion design, featuring two co-acting segments that can be threaded onto a pull cap and sealed to the container opening, allowing for easy extension and contraction for pouring or storage, eliminating the need for separate funnels or spouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed or flexible hose pour spout is used for motor oils and transmission fluids, then the pouring function is provided, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pour spout is nested within the container cap structure, with the flexible hose contained within the cap housing. The spout can be retracted into the cap when not in use, eliminating the need for separate external mounting devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pour spout function is merged with the container cap into a single integrated unit. The cap serves both as the closure mechanism and as the housing for the pour spout, eliminating the need for separate mounting devices and simplifying both construction and operation.
2Ease of operation
If separate pour spouts and funnels are used for liquid containers, then the pouring function is achieved, but additional devices are required increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The container cap is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the closure mechanism, the housing for the pour spout, and the mounting structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate funnels or external spout mountings, reducing the total number of devices required.
Solution Approach 2:
The pour spout assembly is merged with the container cap into a single integrated unit that provides both closure and pouring functions, eliminating the need for separate funnels or external spout mountings.
3Adaptability or versatility
If combination cap/pour spouts are used for liquid containers, then the integrated function is achieved, but manufacturing and construction become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated cap/spout assembly is divided into separate manufacturable components that are assembled together. The flexible hose, spout nozzle, and cap housing are manufactured separately and then connected through simple assembly operations, reducing manufacturing difficulty while maintaining the integrated function.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible hose is made from a thin, flexible material that can be easily formed and assembled. This flexibility allows the hose to be routed through the cap structure and connected to the spout nozzle without requiring complex rigid support structures, simplifying both construction and manufacturing.
4Ease of operation
If a telescoping accordion pour spout is used, then the spout can be extended and retracted for storage, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The accordion spout is constructed from flexible material that naturally forms the telescoping sections. The flexibility of the material allows the spout to expand and contract smoothly without requiring precise mechanical joints or complex sealing mechanisms, reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The spout transitions between extended and retracted states through changes in its physical configuration rather than through complex mechanical adjustments. The flexible material allows smooth transitions between states without requiring precise positioning or complex control mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a cost-effective, built-in pour spout that adapts to various container sizes, simplifying the pouring process and eliminating the need for additional devices, enhancing convenience and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible extendable contractible telescoping accordion pour spout
Implementation Method 2
threaded and removably screwed onto the pull cap
Implementation Method 3
threaded pull cap base
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid container for motor oils, transmission fluids, cooking oils, liquors, etc. with pour opening associated with a telescoping expandable contractible pour spout, comprising a pull cap with a top and a finger pull ring affixed to the top, and a threaded pull cap base. The telescoping expandable contractible pour spout is flexible defining a continuous interior channel in communication with the interior of the liquid container having two first and second co-acting segments operably associated with the pull cap and the pour opening of the fluid container, which extends in a pour position, and collapses back into the pour opening in a storage position.